Forward in Korean Entertainment News

Singer-actor No Min Woo, who in the past had been active as the drummer of SM Entertainment’s group TRAX, has filed a suit against his former agency citing a slave contract and broadcast ban.

No Min Woo’s legal representatives JC Partners stated on May 11 that the actor filed the damage suit at the end of last month, as well as reported the agency to the Fair Trade Commission for unfair actions.

The actor’s side claims, “Before No Min Woo debuted, he ended up signing a contract spanning 17 years, as a result of SM Entertainment’s unilateral terms of contract extension. Truthfully, contracts extending over seven years are considered unfair, so taking issue in a 17-year contract is a matter of course.”

Moreover, No Min Woo’s representation states, “While the 17-year contract is an issue, in addition, as soon as No Min Woo showed signs of opposition [to the contract], SM halted all support activities expected of a management company. He did start activities again on his own, but SM Entertainment blocked his television appearances.”

“It goes to show how wronged No Min Woo must feel, to go to court with a huge management agency like SM over a contract that is already over,” continues the rep. “The development of this case will be something to see.”

Upon news of this lawsuit, SM responded via a statement to Star Today: “We plan to take legal action on all accounts regarding the groundless lawsuit and report [to the Fair Trade Commission].”